Chapter 210

“You’re being ridiculous,” Jonathan said, his brows furrowing deeply. “How many times do I have to tell you? Yvonne was like a friend to me. Nothing more. We never dated, and we definitely didn’t have that kind of relationship.”

Teresa scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, sure. You make it sound like you were soulmates. Honestly, I’d believe pigs could fly before I believed there was nothing between you two.”

Jonathan protested, “By your logic, Benny and I grew up together, too. Does that mean I must have had something with him? Your reasoning is completely flawed.”

Teresa retorted, “I’m talking about Yvonne. Why are you dragging Benny into this? Benny’s a man, and Yvonne is a woman. How is that the same? And even though Yvonne is gone, can you guarantee there won’t be another woman like her in the future?”

“If you’re looking for a tender woman, you can find one anytime. They’re perfect for you.”

Jonathan was unsure how to respond. Looking for a tender woman? Is that really what she thinks of me? he thought. “See? This is why I avoid talking about her. It always ends in a fight, no matter how many times I tell you there was nothing between us. She’s already gone, so why are you still so stubborn about this?” Jonathan asked.

Teresa rolled her eyes. “Oh, right, it’s all my fault. I’m just too petty, too hung up on details, too unreasonable, aren’t I? Fine, I’ll admit it. But I just can’t stand the idea of an unfaithful marriage. Even if I don’t love you, I’ve stayed loyal to you in this marriage.”

“You’re going to drive me crazy. An unfaithful marriage again? I’ve explained it to you, but you still don’t believe me,” Jonathan insisted.

It was the details that made her doubt him. The past was still vivid in her mind, and she could dredge up old grievances all day long about Yvonne, Irene, and more.

Teresa refused to back down. “And I told you I’m not pregnant, but you don’t believe me, either. Well, I’m not, and I never will be. I won’t have a child with you. Let’s just leave things as they are.”

Jonathan could never win an argument against Teresa. For every word he said, she always had a hundred more ready to counter him. She was relentless in verbal sparring, never backing down or conceding an inch.

In the end, Jonathan sighed, his tone softening. “The past is the past. What matters is now and what’s ahead. A child is a life, Teresa. If you’re pregnant, just have the baby. We’ll figure everything else out.”

“No, I won’t,” Teresa said, her voice firm.

Jonathan’s grip tightened on her wrist as frustration surged through him. He adjusted the seat and leaned in, pinning her down with a force that left no room for escape.

“Do you really want to push me to this point? Do you want me to use force?” he asked.

“Let me go. I said no, and I mean it. If you don’t stop, I’ll—” Her words were interrupted when his lips captured hers, silencing her protests.

She tried to kick him, but he pinned her legs with his own. Her struggles began to fade, her body softening against him. Only then did Jonathan pull back, though his body remained pressed against hers, reluctant to let go.

His voice was low and hoarse, brushing against her neck like a confession. “You’re just torturing me, aren’t you? Is that what you want? To see me lose my mind?”

“You’ve already driven me insane, Jonathan. What more do you want?” Teresa retorted, refusing to be outdone. She tried to kick him again, but his long legs trapped her in place.

Jonathan leaned in once more, capturing her lips with another kiss, silencing every word she wanted to say.

When the two of them returned to Forlisle Rose Estates, Edward and Michael were fully immersed in their game, laughing and shouting as they played.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Michael perked up. “Mr. Lime’s back!”

He immediately bolted toward Jonathan, his short legs moving as fast as they could. Teresa followed closely behind. Just as Michael was about to call out, he suddenly paused, as if remembering something, and quickly changed his words. “Ms. Johnston’s lips are so red.”

Teresa coughed awkwardly, offering no explanation.

Edward strolled over. Without warning, he threw his arms around Jonathan in an exaggerated hug.

“Bro, you’re finally back. Watching this little rascal has been a nightmare. My back aches, and my legs are cramping. It’s been pure torture these past two days.”

Jonathan pushed him away, his expression flat. “Cut the act, Edward.”

Undeterred, Edward clung to him again, dramatically wailing, “I’m so exhausted, bro. So drained!” His hands roamed Jonathan’s back in an overly affectionate manner.

Jonathan shoved him off, clearly annoyed. “What’s wrong with you? Stop being weird.”

Edward immediately straightened up, his demeanor shifting back to normal. He flashed a casual smile. “Just showing how much I missed you. Anyway, I’ll leave now. Don’t want to interrupt your little game of playing house.”

Teresa froze in confusion. “What do you mean, playing house?” she asked.

Edward replied matter-of-factly, “Isn’t it obvious? You three are pretending to be a family. Why else would you all be living together?”

Teresa was left speechless.

Before leaving, Edward ruffled Michael’s hair. The little boy looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes and asked, “Edward, will you teach me to dance again next time?”

Edward chuckled. “Sure, next time. But for now, I’ve got to head back to school.”

“I’ll walk Edward out,” Teresa offered.

“You don’t need to,” Jonathan said. He grabbed her arm as if knowing she would slip away. “He’s got legs. He can take a cab.”

Seeing this, Teresa didn’t argue further.

After leaving Forlisle Rose Estates, Edward immediately called Benny.

Benny wasted no time, his voice eager as he asked, “Edward, Jonathan’s back, right? Did you get his hair for me?” Slipping into a playful tone, Edward replied, “Benny, you know the drill. You give me the money, and I’ll give you the info.”